Trevor Linden charges up one of BCAA's electric vehicles which he used as a taxi to help raise awareness about BCAA's new electric vehicle initiative, "evolve". (CNW Group/British Columbia ... Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Trevor Linden charges up one of BCAA's electric vehicles which he used as a taxi to help raise awareness about BCAA's new electric vehicle initiative, "evolve". (CNW Group/British Columbia Automobile Association)

BCAA launches new electric vehicle initiative to help educate British Columbians about EV technology and provide roadside assistance and automotive support to EV owners. (CNW Group/British Columbia Automobile Association)

BURNABY, BC, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - As electric vehicle (EV) technology
evolves and more charging stations are installed throughout the
province, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is
responding and has introduced its new EV initiative, "evolve". The
program aims to educate British Columbians about EV technology and
provide automotive support to current and prospective EV owners. Last
Thursday, former Vancouver Canucks captain and active community leader,
Trevor Linden, joined BCAA to launch "evolve" by offering free rides in
an electric BCAA Taxi while helping to uncover questions people have
about EV technology.

Research conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
indicates that 42% of CAA Members across Canada would consider an EV
for their next vehicle purchase. According to BCAA's latest Member
Opinion Survey, the main reason respondents considered the purchase of
an EV is the price of gas.

"Whether it's to save money or reduce their carbon footprint, we
recognize people are looking for more fuel efficient vehicle options
and complete alternatives to gas-powered vehicles," says Ken Cousin,
automotive specialist and associate vice president of BCAA Road Assist.
"But, electric vehicles are still new to British Columbians and we want
to answer people's questions and address common myths about EVs to help
give people a better understanding of the technology and what it would
be like to own and operate one."

BCAA is providing information about EV technology and addressing common
questions about EVs on its website, bcaa.com/evolve. The website will also be updated with information related to
purchasing, owning and maintaining an EV to help people make an
educated decision about whether an EV is the best choice for their
driving needs.

Examples of common questions and myths that BCAA addresses are the
following:

Can you get electrocuted while going through a car wash or driving in
the rain?

How much does it cost to fully charge in EV?

Is an EV powerful enough to drive up steep hills?

As part of its EV initiative, BCAA's automotive techs have been fully
trained on EV technology and safety procedures to ensure they can
properly assist EV drivers. EVs have also been added to BCAA's fleet of
vehicles. One EV will be used to provide roadside assistance within the
Metro Vancouver area while another EV will be used for an employee
car-share program.

"Using EVs in our business will allow us to collect driving data and
feedback on EV issues from a diverse group of users," says Cousin. "Our
experience will also help us gain even more understanding of the
service needs of these vehicles and what it's like to own and operate
an EV."

BCAA has also installed EV charging stations at its Burnaby Service
Centre which EV owners—Member or not—can use at no cost. BCAA is now
one of a few hosts offering free EV charging stations within the Lower
Mainland.

Visit bcaa.com/evolve for more information about BCAA's new EV initiative and to watch a
video of Trevor Linden addressing common questions and myths about EVs
as he offers passengers free taxi rides in BCAA's electric vehicle.

About BCAA
BCAA is one of the most trusted organizations in British Columbia,
serving one-in-four B.C. households. With over 800,000 Members, BCAA
provides an array of award-winning home, auto and travel insurance
products and services, and roadside assistance. Members can also
benefit from CAA Dollar rewards, savings on BCAA insurance products and
exclusive offers at Show Your Card & Save locations throughout the
province. BCAA has a proud history of serving British Columbians for
over 105 years, over $400 million in annual sales, 27 locations and
over 800 employees. And, BCAA has been named one of the 50 Best
Employers in Canada by international human resource consultants Aon
Hewitt five times in the past six years. To learn more about the
benefits of BCAA Membership, visit www.bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Road Safety Foundation visit www.BCAARoadSafety.com.